Difference between Visa and Form I-94

A lot of travelers confuse the essential purposes of a visa and the I-94 stamped at the port of entry. The two serve separate purposes and cannot be interchanged. The United States immigration system has a two-point check-in when coming into the country. (This varies depending upon the mode of travel, i.e. by air/water or land.) The visa allows you to travel to the United States. Form I-94 allows you admission into the United States. Read on to know the essential differences between the two and the significance of each.

Visa

The traveler, if not exempted by the visa waiver program will need a visa in order to travel to the US.

The visa does not guarantee entry into the US.

This should be applied for and obtained at a US consulate in his parent country.

This visa, once granted is printed onto the passport.

This comes with a period of validity and the applicant can travel to the US only until it expires.

The visa granted depends upon the purpose of the visit.

A visa could be for a single visit or multiple entries which allows you to travel to the US multiple times for the same purpose without having to apply for a new visa.

Visa expiration is independent of the duration of your stay.

Form I-94

Form I-94 acts as an evidence of lawful admission to the US and an official record of authorized length of stay.

The I-94 is received at a port of entry and granted by an officer of the Department of Homeland Security.

This officer determines the duration of your stay.

You could also be denied entry based on the evaluation of this officer.

Overstaying the date of expiration stamped on the I-94 could lead to deportation, cancellation of the visa and/or denial of any future visas.

If entering the US Port of entry via land, a paper form of the I-94 determines the dates of stay, if granted entry.

If entering by air or sea, an electronic I-94 is generated and can be accessed at www.cbp.gov/i94. You can print a copy for your records to ensure you are aware of the duration of stay.

Should you need to prolong your visit, the stay stamped date on I-94 can be extended by applying to USCIS with Form I-539.

If there is a change of visa status, like from F1 student visa to H1B employment visa, the I-94 needs to be updated via Form I-539.